Comments on: Making Business Mistakes

By: Alden

Alden — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 17:58:58 +0000

Yeah, you can’t please them all. I like to try though! Even when the client messes their system up, I never point the finger in their direction or accept responsibility for their actions. I just offer solutions to correct their troubles. The only time I’ll admit they screwed up is if they directly ask and I’ll humbly acknowledge their mistake.

First thing I do when I get to a job is provide a rough estimate (projection of cost/time) and before starting have them sign off on the work order which states that it is nothing more than a projection which can vary between system and complication. This estimate is a legally binding agreement for services rendered. Then, I’ll have them sign again with the final cost. That way, if they don’t pay we have the upper hand in arbitration or the court room. Odds are it’s not worth your time for the smaller jobs, but we’ve had some clients who owed a considerable amount of money.

The disclaimer on the bottom of the estimate releases me from liability. We’re looking at remaking them with an agreement that the damages are not to exceed the cost of the service rendered, so worst case scenario… we have to give their money back. Hasn’t been an issue yet (knock on wood), but it sounds like a good preventive move in this litigious day and age

One thing about being owed money in the States is you have to be aware of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). You have to make sure you don’t leave multiple voice mails in the same day. Once you’ve spoken to them you can’t call back the same day. There are different laws for different states, so I’d seek legal advice or at the very least brush up on your states laws.

By: Andy(pseudonym)

Andy(pseudonym) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 18:40:10 +0000

Wow thanks a lot, i really like this stuff, i am 18 and starting my own Techie business.

By: Bryce W

Bryce W — Wed, 30 May 2007 22:28:09 +0000

I’m in Melbourne too. What area are you in?

By: Allen

Allen — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:06:24 +0000

hey bryce, whereabouts in aus are you?
im thinking to start the same thing – in melbourne

By: Bryce W

Bryce W — Wed, 23 May 2007 18:57:39 +0000

Paul, I was doing some computer repairs before what I consider my first year of “going pro” charging either dirt cheap or doing freebies for friends or friends-friends. I was a student at the time and had only about 40 or so for the entire year. It was sort of an after hours, bit-of-beer-money kind of thing.

So I already had a handful of clients in place before my first year who recommended me to others which was a big help.

Right near the start I did do a huge letterbox drop to businesses and homes in wealthy neighborhoods, we are talking like 2500-3000 flyers (yes, its legal in Australia to drop unsolicited mail UNLESS it says “No Junk Mail” on their letterboxes). I also put an ad in the local weekly free newspaper which was the main source of my new non-business clients.

By: Paul Schwegler

Paul Schwegler — Wed, 23 May 2007 09:06:52 +0000

In your article you mention that you were doing ‘pretty good’ by the end of your first year. What did you do in that first year to build your client base? Did you market a certain way? Already have contacts? Are you just lucky?

By: Steve Tremblay

Steve Tremblay — Wed, 23 May 2007 07:27:08 +0000

Excellent insight Bryce!

When I first started in the business, I also had one ‘bad’ client that sticks out from the rest of my customers. An unplasant lady in her fifties that wanted the lowest priced computer that I could provide, but that could do ‘everything’…

Well, to make a very long story short, she kept doing improper software uninstall (among many other things), and calling me to complaint about the computer. At one point, she even accused me on purposely infecting her machine… Being the new guy, I submitted to her constant abuse for the duration of the warranty. Those were the three longest years of my life! In conclusion, I highly recommend to anyone thinking of starting a computer business to be wary of very demanding customers. Some of them may not be worth your time – and their money.